meet the heavy metal motors crew !

Person wearing a "Heavy Metal Motors" T-shirt and black jacket standing in a garage.

Derek – Founder & Lead Technician

Born and raised in Portland, Derek’s passion for all things automotive runs deep. From classic muscle to the not-so-classic beaters, he’s been obsessed with cars since day one. With over two decades of hands-on experience, that passion has fueled the creation of Heavy Metal Motors, where honesty, integrity, and expert craftsmanship come standard.

Derek’s no-nonsense, straight-shooting approach is a breath of fresh air in an industry too often clouded by shortcuts and shady practices. He believes in doing things right the first time, and that commitment is evident in every vehicle that rolls through the shop.

Beyond the garage, Derek’s love for all things vintage keeps him grounded—whether it’s old-school records, collectibles, model cars, or classic video games. His old-school work ethic means he treats every job with the care and precision it deserves.

When he’s not wrenching on cars, you’ll find him spending time with his son, hammering away on the drums (because metal, obviously), or deep in the world of professional wrestling—where his Randy Savage impersonation is truly legendary.

Oooooh yeah!

A man wearing a black beanie and black jacket standing indoors with a garage background. He has a gray beard and is wearing a green plaid shirt underneath the jacket. Visible are some tools and a sign on the wall behind him.

Ryan – Co-Founder & Ops Manager

Born and raised in Portland, Ryan’s path to Heavy Metal Motors wasn’t through the traditional automotive route—it was through a relentless commitment to doing things right. After years of managing businesses that claimed to strive for excellence but never quite delivered, he saw an opportunity to make a real impact in an industry that desperately needed a shake-up. When the chance came to help build a shop founded on honesty, quality, and no-nonsense service, he didn’t hesitate.

While not a mechanic himself, Ryan has a deep appreciation for all things automotive—especially vintage Mustangs. Whether it’s the original ’64, the legendary ’69 Boss 429, or the mean ’71 Mach 1, his dream garage is packed with classic pony cars.

Outside of work, Ryan focuses on his health after a major wake-up call in the summer of 2024. He also spends his time playing piano and guitar (metal, of course) and cooking fine-dining-quality meals for friends and family.

At Heavy Metal Motors, Ryan keeps things running smoothly, ensuring every customer gets the top-tier service they deserve.